How far should I fill the tank with power steering fluid?

Question

I own a 98 ford taurus (V6 3.0 single cam). The power steering pump tank doesn't have a dipstick or anything to tell you how far to fill it. It has a small leak so I have to add fluid from time to time. how far up the neck on the tank should I go when adding fluid?

? · Accepted Answer

Fill it to about halfway to the top. That's about where full is.. You need a little room for expansion.

dirtman · Answer

sounds strange that it doesn't have a notch in plastic or somewhere, maybe dirt on it?
I don't know exactly about the taurus tank, but you don't fill it to the top because as the fluid gets warm/hot it expands.  filling it to top, then expands could cause more pressure and more leaks.
It needs to be filled higher than the gear pump or vanes to prevent whining and air in lines, but lower than top of lid.  Go halfway between if you can see vanes, or just stay 1-2" down from top to allow a little expansion.  
or if a Taurus Expert answers you, take their advice over mine.
Happy NYr

Peter · Answer

The indicator should be part of the cap...but if its not, fill to 1 to 2 inches below the top of the reservoir. This will give room for expansion.

Michael S · Answer

No marks on the side of the tank? I'd fill it to just below the neck.

How far should I fill the tank with power steering fluid?

4 Antworten